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Here are comments from our group of Advance Readers about Erica Spindler's KILLER TAKES ALL.
anneaustex@austin.rr.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
No, but I plan to look up some of her other titles.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
David Morrell, Jonathan Kellerman, Steve Martini, James Patterson, Nancy Rosenberg and Iris Johansen, to name a few.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I loved the whole concept. The RPG based on ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND gave it a great literary twist. I really like the Stacy Killian character and her tootsie pop personality --- “hard shell, soft, chewy center.” The intensity of Stacy Vs the cops and trying to outwit and identify the White Rabbit while watching her own back kept me going right to the end.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Future or past. In fact, I’m on my way to the bookstore today!
Brhanda@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
Yes, I have read Erica Spindler before. Two of my favorites are SHOCKING PINK and RED.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Some of the authors I read are: John Lutz, Keith Ablow, Alex Kava, Linda Howard and Sandra Brown --- and the list goes on and on.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I did enjoy the book, although I did feel it had a very slow beginning. The ending was great --- it had you guessing till the end, which is what I like in a book. I am looking forward to the next book.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Yes, I would definitely read a future book by Erica Spindler.
Dgeadgmd@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
I have read a number of Erica Spindler's books.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I read quite a few suspense/thriller authors. Those I read most frequently are J.A. Jance, Jonathon King, Jodi Compton, Rochelle Krich, Rhys Bowen, Jonathan Kellerman, Linda Fairstein, Jan Burke, Edna Buchanan, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs, Tess Gerritsen, Dana Stabenow, Betty Webb, C.J. Box, Tami Hoag and many others!!!
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I liked KILLER TAKES ALL. I read it in one day, so it would qualify as a good "beach book" or "airplane book" for me. Spindler used three unique devices that should please mystery readers. First, the use of gaming is a different twist. I am only familiar with the names of some of the games and not much else, so I thought this was a novel plot device. Secondly, the identity of the ultimate "mastermind" defied most "norms" of mystery stories (though the character was on my short list of culprits). Thirdly, the roller coaster of twists at the end were fun and unusual in unveiling the true White Rabbit. The New Orleans setting is wonderfully exotic with the heat and humidity and slightly seedy areas. (This is one of my favorite cities to visit and I love reading books set here.) All in all, I thought this was a fast, fun book with some unusual aspects that can test a true mystery fan's deductive powers!!
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Of course I would read future books by Erica Spindler.
HugeBug@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
I have read DEAD RUN, IN SILENCE and SEE JANE DIE. I have liked all of her books and am looking forward to reading the other books she wrote.
What suspense/thriller author do you read?
Some of my favorite suspense writers are James Patterson, Nelson DeMille, John Sandford and Joseph Finder.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I just received the book this past Friday, May 20th, and have only read about four chapters. I am very interested so far but I don't think that I am going to like it as much as SEE JANE DIE. However, I have not finished yet and I am looking forward to reading the other books by her.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Yes, I will look forward to reading her future books.
ImNOverdrv@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
No.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
James Patterson, Iris Johansen, Dean Koontz and John Grisham.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Just when I thought I had figured it out the book took another turn and had me guessing again.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Most definitely.
KennethRMartin@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
No.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Many: Suzanne Brockman, Sandra Brown, Lisa Gardner, Julie Garwood, Tess Gerritsen, Linda Howard, Richard Laymon, Greg Iles, Lisa Jackson, Alex Kava, Graham Joyce, Dean Koontz, Stephen King, Andrew Klavan, Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child, Eric Rickstad and Stephen White.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
This was an excellent book. I was able to get into it from the first chapter. The author has the ability to have the reader become a part of the story.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Definitely!
richardmitchell@mindspring.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
No.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Michael Connelly, John Connolly, Robert Crais, Daniel Silva, Karin Slaughter, Lee Child, Greg Rucka, Thomas Harris, Richard Harris, Dennis Lehane, Vince Flynn, Jonathon King, Greg Iles, Ken Bruen, S.J. Rozan, Barry Eisler and Jeff Lindsay, etc.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I enjoyed it. I love New Orleans and it was great to read a thriller set there.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Yes.
saccop@cox.net
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
No.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Harlan Coben, John Sandford and Catherine Coulter.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I enjoyed the book. The story had a strong plot. It kept me trying to figure out who was responsible for the murders. Of course I didn't figure it out until the writer was ready to let us in on the finale, as all good thrillers should. I enjoy books more when I develop strong feelings about the characters. Ms. Spindler made sure that the reader identified with the protagonists.... The New Orleans setting was enjoyable as well, since I have visited the city and found it to be one of the most pleasurable of places. Her descriptions let me fantasize that I was visiting the Big Easy again. I hope that there will be a sequel where we can see Spencer and Killian together again.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Yes.
shirdickwald@comcast.net
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
This is the first book that I have read by Erica Spindler.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
The suspense/thriller authors that I read are James Patterson, Dan Brown, Daniel Silva, Michael Connelly, Jeffery Deaver, Phillip Margolin and John Sandford.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I liked the book very much. It grabs you right from the start and never lets go. I thought the ending was great. I like her writing style.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
I will definitely read a future book by Erica Spindler. In fact, I am going to get some of her older books to read.
DELSTATE83@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
I had previously tried at least one or two Erica Spindler books. I couldn't finish SHOCKING PINK.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Some of my favorite romantic suspense novels were written by Linda Howard, Greg Iles, Karen Robards, Annie Solomon, Iris Johansen and, recently, Jilliane Hoffman.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I enjoyed KILLER TAKES ALL. I still don't understand how role-playing games work; never played D&D. It is part of a different generation. The book could have been tied together a little tighter to enhance the suspense. There were some good ideas but they weren't effective in creating suspense or tension in the way it was written. This would not be a keeper or one that you would read again. Even the final chapter fell kind of flat.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
I would certainly look at Erica Spindler's future books in the bookstore. I avoided her after SHOCKING PINK.
suzshay@bellsouth.net
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
I don't think so. I checked out her other titles and they don't sound familiar.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Lee Child, Suzanne Brockman, Douglas Preston, Jeffery Deaver, Lisa Gardner, Clive Cussler, Dick Francis, Julie Garwood, John Sandford, Kay Hooper, Patricia Cornwell, J.D. Robb, Dan Brown, Michael Crichton, Iris Johansen, James Patterson and Jonathan Kellerman, among others.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
The premise was really good. There were so many red herrings I had trouble figuring out "who done it." I liked the main character and I enjoyed the descriptions of New Orleans. There was plenty of excitement and it kept the book moving along. That being said, some of the flow was "off" somehow. I couldn't decide what it was that would throw me every so often that I became aware of the language (a word or phrase that didn't quite work) and I would become distracted from the story trying to figure out what word or phase would have been a better choice. Character development was a little uneven, some of the characters really came alive, some of the others were mere cardboard cutouts. Not the best book I've ever read, but still quite readable and enjoyable.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Yes. I am planning to get a copy of SEE JANE DIE to get the back story of KILLER TAKES ALL's main character. I'd like to give the author another chance to see if my first impression changes.
MMarcia48@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
No, I have not previously read a book by Erica Spindler.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
Suspense/thriller authors I usually read are James Lee Burke, Nevada Barr, Clinton McKinzie, Jonathon King, Lawrence Block, Jim Fusilli, Rick Riordan, John Sandford and Nelson DeMille.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I liked KILLER TAKES ALL very much. The author kept raising the suspense level higher and higher. She kept her facts consistent. I particularly like the way she appeared to have wrapped up the case several times, only to find that there was more going on than she had thought, and that the stakes were even higher than ever.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Yes, I believe I will read more books by Erica Spindler. I plan to start with the book immediately preceding this one. I like the central character very much. I am eager to know if Spindler's books are a series about Stacy Killian.
aspengold10@hotmail.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
I finished the book and it was a wonderful read! I have never read any books by Erica Spindler before.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I usually read books by Ann Rule, Patricia Cornwell, James Patterson, John Grisham and many others. I like a book that stimulates the brain, gets the heart pumping and you can't turn the page fast enough.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I was very surprised how much I enjoyed it. I didn't want to put it down! I just had to find out who the White Rabbit was. I know a little about D&D, and Erica hit it right on the head with her descriptions of role playing games and how some people get obsessed. Her book was totally believable. I enjoyed the chemistry between Stacy and Spencer. I loved the take charge attitude of Stacy and the dedication she gave to something that was important to her --- finding out who killed her friends. I also enjoyed the closeness between Spencer and his large family, looking out for each other.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
I look forward to reading other books by Erica Spindler. She is very talented and really draws you into her story.
TABORP@mail.etsu.edu
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
Yes, I have read BONE COLD and DEAD RUN.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I usually read James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell and Alex Kava.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I liked it very much; it was fast-paced and had a very good plot. Spindler made good use of the characters she chose to populate her novel with and she does very well with character development. I think character development and a well-thought out and handled plot (and subplots) is the most difficult thing most authors face when writing a novel.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
Oh yes, anytime --- any title.
ThinMan099@aol.com
Have you previously read a book by Erica Spindler?
I have not read a previous book by this author.
What suspense/thriller authors do you usually read?
I usually read Jonathan Kellerman, Steve Martini, John Grisham, James Patterson, Dan Brown, Sandra Brown, Dean Koontz and many others.
What did you think of KILLER TAKES ALL?
I enjoyed the book and it was a fast read. I managed to figure out the killer early on but changed my mind three or four times as the book progressed. There were a a lot of twists and turns which I like in a mystery book. All in all, it's a good summer reading book.
Would you ever read a future book by Erica Spindler?
I would be interested in reading more of this author's work.
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